Flipper/Rehabber · Acworth, GA · Member since 2018 · 12 posts · 0 votes
I've found a property when driving for dollars that is owned by an estate. In my initial research, I can not find any children of the deceased owners. How can I find the owner's of the estate to contact them about buying their vacant distressed property?
As Patrick mentioned, the best way would be to go to the county courthouse and look into the records. This of course is county specific, but I know in Gwinnett they have an office designated for researching the estate owners information as it is all public or they have a subscription you have to pay where you can get access from home at anytime.
In regards to your question about finding out about the owner, if listed on the tax assessors office as an LLC then go to the state website (sos.ga.gov) and look up that business, which would give you the registered agent as you mentioned. Then you would simply google or skip trace this person and cold call them. This has worked for me when searching for off market deals, but of course sometimes you won't find a relevant contact number. Another strategy I have used is door knocking the neighbors to find information about the property.
@Cheryl Bennett
It’s possible the estate is currently in or has gone through probate.
I would start by looking up the name of estate in your county’s probate case records. The case record contains the name and contact info of the personal representative or administer of the estate.
Some counties maintain full case information online- others you will need to physically visit the court house to access the file.
@Patrick Sweeting Thank you so much!! You are an angel! I really appreciate your help. This is EXACTLY what I needed to know. Since you seem to be educated in this area, let me ask you a totally different question. Do you know how to find out who the owner, NOT the registered agent of an LLC is, in Georgia? People frequently get their attorney or a friend to be the registered agent of their LLC here. Also, everybody else, please vote Patrick up for this great answer. :)
As Patrick mentioned, the best way would be to go to the county courthouse and look into the records. This of course is county specific, but I know in Gwinnett they have an office designated for researching the estate owners information as it is all public or they have a subscription you have to pay where you can get access from home at anytime.
In regards to your question about finding out about the owner, if listed on the tax assessors office as an LLC then go to the state website (sos.ga.gov) and look up that business, which would give you the registered agent as you mentioned. Then you would simply google or skip trace this person and cold call them. This has worked for me when searching for off market deals, but of course sometimes you won't find a relevant contact number. Another strategy I have used is door knocking the neighbors to find information about the property.
@ Curtis Rouse Thank you so much. I have two properties that I have contacted the registered agent via the means you have addressed. These properties are in a great state of disrepair and losing value. I feel if I could contact the owner directly, I could make more progress since the registered agent is not responding and probably not forwarding my contacts to the owner.
@Brett Burky I can only speak to California as probate case info is county specific. Here most counties maintain an online records database that allows people to search for and view preliminary case information.
@Cheryl Bennett Depending on what type of trust you're dealing with you can find the information at the county recorder or appraiser. Glad I could help.
@Cheryl Bennett as Patrick mentioned, your best bet is going down the the courthouse and inquiring specifically on where to research because they aren't necessarily going to look into it for you. With the registered agent not responding and if this is a deal you are really wanting to pursue you should go to the address listed on the state website. Have done this many times when I have exhausted my ideas and it works, but don't be surprised if they aren't let's say cordial about your visit :). I hope this helps and Best of Luck!